On 24 September, H. E. Zhou Jingxing, the Chinese Ambassador to Norway, attended the graduation ceremony of BI Norwegian Business School Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), Executive Master of Management in Energy (EMME) and the Fudan University–BI Norwegian Business School Master of Business Administration (MBA) Joint Programme and delivered a commencement speech. More than 200 representatives of Chinese and international faculty, students and their families were present.

The full text of the speech is as follows:

The Honorable President Egil Matsen,

Distinguished Members of the Faculty,

Graduating Class of 2026 and Your Proud Families and Friends,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon!

This is my first visit to a Norwegian university since my arrival a little more than two weeks ago. It gives me great pleasure to join so many young talents from Norway, China, and other countries in sharing the joy of your graduation. Please accept my warmest congratulations!

You are from different nations and diverse cultures, but you have been together on this same yet diverse campus in your eye-opening academic and social journey. Through cross-cultural interactions, you have broadened your horizon, which perfectly embodies the very essence of education: it is not merely the transmission of knowledge, but a window for reaching out to different cultures. For that, I would like to pay high tribute to BI Norwegian Business School and Fudan University. Your joint program is not only a shining example of China-Norway educational cooperation, but also what international educational partnership should be.

Graduating Class of 2026,

Looking at your young and dynamic faces from the podium, I can deeply feel the powerful emotions intertwining in this room: the joy of accomplishment, a sense of anticipation, and perhaps, a touch of anxiety about the future.

But please do not worry, because we all share the same concerns. Indeed, it is not so bad a thing to have worries.

Today, we stand at a critical point in history. The profound changes unseen in a century are no longer an abstract statement, but a reality each of us confronts every single day. Some country is playing geopolitics to dominate the world, and acting against globalization to profit from a divided world. Artificial intelligence is developing at a breakneck pace. Are we going to add an “AI divide” on top of the “digital divide”? Will artificial intelligence become incomprehensible, uncontrollable “alien intelligence” that might upend thousands of years of social sciences accomplishment and even threaten the very definition of human beings?

The world as we know it is changing. A new order is taking shape. And the future is full of uncertainties.

Faced with these challenges, the common values of humanity — peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom — are more important than ever before. Implementing the four global initiatives on development, security, civilization and governance and building a community with a shared future for humanity have never been more urgent. This is the answer offered by China. And, we look forward to working hand in hand with all nations to find more solutions to our common challenges ahead.

Graduates,

As you embark on the next exciting new chapter of your lives, I’d like to share with you a few observations from my diplomatic career, which might be relevant for you -- future global leaders.

First, be dedicated “Listeners.” Listen to the aspirations of the people, the echoes of history, and the call of our time. Reflect deeply as you listen; learn to discern the “voice” of reason amidst the “noise” of chaos, capture the global trends, and align your career with them. Always remain open-minded and humble. Embrace the diversity of the world, and respect different choices, systems, and paths of development. This is not only the cornerstone of commercial success, but also the ultimate wisdom to avoid arrogance and prejudice.

Second, be courageous “Problem-solvers.” The monumental changes of our time bring formidable difficulties, but also breed new opportunities. Facing global challenges, no nation and no company can stand alone. We must build consensus based on our common values and take real actions to break deadlocks, creating commercial as well as social value. We must confront and solve problems head-on, rather than blaming others. And it takes courage to do so.

Third, be bridge-building “Connectors.” Today, some are playing "zero-sum games," erecting walls, and disrupting supply chains. But please remember: the economic and trade careers you are about to pursue inherently possess the power to transcend borders. Wherever you go, please bridge differences, reject binary opposition, and remain firm in your belief in mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. Our destinies have long been deeply intertwined. We live in the same global village. Walls lead to isolation; only connectivity leads to shared prosperity.

Fourth, be visionary “Accountable Leaders.” Embedded in your professional DNA is the profound imprint of sustainable leadership and green business. An ancient Chinese sage taught us that one who has the valuable access to education should “cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world”. University graduates are meant to shoulder the mission of humanity. I hope you will pursue not only commercial success, but also assume responsibilities for society and humanity. It is important that you integrate your career into the tide of global progress, and become warm-hearted, responsible leaders.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Commencement is a launching pad for you to go out there and change the world. Although the world is fraught with challenges, it is precisely why it yearns for YOU -- true leaders with a global vision for the common good.

I cannot predict what the future will hold, but I can predict this -- as long as we work together, we can definitely make our world a better place.

Thank you again for including me in this most important moment of your lives. I wish you all a bright and promising future. May all your endeavors be met with success!

In this grand journey of yours, I will be with you. The 1.4 billion Chinese people will be with you. The entire world will be with you. After all, we are a community with a shared future!

Thank you!